Merriman, NE frost dates
Last spring frostMay 13median date
First fall frostOct 1median date
Growing season141 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How Merriman compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Merriman falls between May 2 and May 27, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 17 and October 14.
- The median last frost is 14 days later than the Nebraska median of Apr 29.
- Its 141-day growing season is among the shortest of the 528 Nebraska places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 161 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 14 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Merriman, NE
Merriman, NE frost dates — last frost May 13, first frost Oct 1, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Sep 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: Jun 3 to Jun 17Sow outdoors: Jun 3 to Jun 17
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 10
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 23
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 10Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 17
Plant for fall: Sep 17 to Oct 22
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Merriman, NE
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 15 – May 20 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — |
| Basil | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 8 – May 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Merriman, NE weather station, 31 km away (elevation 3,235 ft (986 m)).
Frost dates near Merriman
- Gordon May 11 · Oct 2
- Cody May 10 · Sep 29
- Rushville May 13 · Sep 30
- Nenzel May 10 · Sep 29
- Kilgore May 10 · Sep 29
- Hyannis May 4 · Oct 8
- Bingham May 14 · Oct 2
- Hay Springs May 14 · Sep 30
- Ashby May 14 · Oct 2
- Whiteclay May 16 · Sep 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Merriman, NE?
The median last spring frost in Merriman, NE is May 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Merriman, NE?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 17.
How long is the growing season in Merriman, NE?
About 141 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Merriman, NE?
Merriman, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.